A New Book by

Susan
Delphine
Delaney

I Didn't Fall, I Was Pushed: Triumphant Recovery from Clergy Sex Abuse traces the faith journey of a five-year-old girl raped repeatedly by her father's Spiritual Director, a Catholic priest.

The survivor, now a Psychiatrist, details the loss of her faith and the painstaking rebuilding of that faith over the decades that followed.

The book is set at a Benedictine monastery in New Mexico where the author spent four weeks studying Spiritual Direction. The gentle verbs and repetition in her account echo the quiet and predictability of the monastery. This reliable stillness, so different from the commotion of "real life," formed a stable platform for her healing and growth. The story of losing and regaining her faith is deftly woven into her account of life and study at the monastery.

Many survivors of clergy sex abuse lose their faith. In this tale of courage and healing the author shares her experience, strength and hope to encourage other survivors of clergy sex abuse who wish to regain their faith.

An epilog is set in a clinic in downtown Dallas where the author served homeless, mentally-ill persons for six years. Working with murderers, rapists, burglars, prostitutes and those convicted of aggravated assault tested every principle the author learned at the monastery.

ACCLAIM FOR I DIDN'T FALL, I WAS PUSHED

This book is a story only a wounded healer can tell. It is a story of redemption and a healing journey that navigates religious identity and spiritual redemption. Dr. Delaney gives readers insight into the layers of healing that survivors of clergy abuse face along the path to transformation and advocacy for others.

Sexual violation is devastating to the body, to the emotions but also to the soul. The path to healing, which many never complete, is especially steep for the healing of the soul. Susan's gentle and insightful story of her own journey serves as an encouragement to anyone who struggles with the pain of spiritual loss.

Thomas P. Doyle O.P., author, Sex, Priests and Secret Codes

Doctor Delaney records her struggle and the process of becoming a healer as she herself was healed. The story is eloquently told and ironically set in a monastery—one of the church's traditional havens to confine abusers—and among the down-and-out homeless, mentally ill. Truly a triumph to lead other wounded persons to the path of healing.

Susan has chronicled a very important part of her life. Her efforts to reconnect with her spirituality were challenging but successful. Those looking to reconnect with a "higher power" are encouraged to read this book. The real life story of one woman's journey to wholeness is very readable and inspiring.

This spiritual memoir is about healing. It is a gift. Susan shares openly about the traumatic effects of being raped by a priest as a little girl. She gives a vivid and precise account of her path to recovery. You feel her hand stretched out, inviting you to find your path. I am grateful for this brave and open-hearted book.

Susan suffered terrible abuse as a child. Instead of burying her pain, she has chosen to take her experiences and use them to reach out to others who have been injured. Only when survivors like Susan find the courage to speak out will children be safer.

I Didn't Fall, I Was Pushed gives the world a rare but precious window into the wounds, agonies and inner voice of the sexually abused child. For those who would seek to provide Spiritual Direction to those who bear the scars of childhood sexual abuse child it is an important guide.

Also by

Susan
Delphine
Delaney

This helpful book gives readers gentle health advice from an M.D. who is also an experienced quilter. The book explains how the quilter's stitching life can be comfortable, free of stressed hands, shoulders, joints, and back. Simple daily exercises, setting up a good work area, healthful eating, and other positive ideas are offered. Read more...

Watch Susan on HGTV

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Rx for Quilters: Stitcher Friendly Advice for Every Body

Winner of a Gold Medal for Health Communication from the American Medical Writers Association!

Rx for Quilters was a Main Selection of the Doubleday Cooking and Crafts Book of the Month Club.

Quilters, Needle workers, Craftswomen and Every Body will find over 2500 tips to help you:

Outsmart Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Defeat age-related eye changes.

Heal sore fingers.

Design a workspace to fit your body.

Find time to quilt.

And more.

Gentle, encouraging health advice from an M.D. who is also a quilter. Rx for Quilters is just what the doctor ordered!

How to care for your body so your stitching life will be comfortable and pain-free.

Customize your work area at home, in workshops and at retreats to fit your body precisely.

Finish 25% more quilts every year.

Table of Contents:

Quiltmaking and Your Body

Back to Basics-Your Guide to a Comfortable, Pain-free Back.

Avoid a Pain in the Neck.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries.

Sore Fingers.

The Eyes Have It: The Quilter's Eyes over the Lifecycle.

Special Times in a Woman's Life:

Premenstrual Syndrome and the Quilter

The Pregnant Quilter

Quiltmaking and the Perimenopause

The Golden Years of Quiltmaking

Personal Injury or illness – Embracing Change

Time Management and Health

How to Make Time to Quilt

Stress –Free Quiltmaking

Nutrition and Exercise

What do you Have to Lose?

Better Get Moving!

Workshops, Shows & Workspaces

Workshops, Retreats & Shows

Design a Workspace to Fit Your Body

Reviews:

Yvonne Porcella, Artist, Author, and Nurse: 'Everyone should read RX for Quilters. Dr. Susan Delaney highlights the life-giving effects of quiltmaking and offers positive solutions to the negative effects of sitting and stitching for hours on end. Bravo to Dr. Delaney for giving us such good advice.'

Sandra L. Hatch, Editor, Quilt World and Quick Easy Quilting: 'If you are experiencing physical or mental stress, quilt related or not, Susan's advice is guaranteed to give you a new lease on quilting and on life.'

Clotilde, Chairman of Clotilde, Inc.: 'Rx for Quilters should be read by all women-not just quilters. The first chapter alone is worth the price of this information-packed book.'